Contractor Training

Lodestar’s secondary focus is on contractor training and development. In this capacity, Lodestar stands ready to deliver courses on a wide range of topics. In addition, Lodestar can custom-create courses for contractors and distributors to fill almost any developmental need.

In the workshop descriptions that follow, you will see a link to a “Workshop Preparation Kit.” This Kit is designed to help you plan a workshop and contains a timetable with checklist (for planning purposes), a complete workshop description, workshop objectives, workshop logistical issues, tips on how to sell the workshop to your territory managers and/or dealers, a workshop cost estimating sheet, a sample invitation letter, a sample confirmation letter, and a suggested room layout diagram. When you click the link, you may save the Kit to your computer by clicking File, then Save As, and pointing to a location on your local computer. The Kits are all written in Adobe Reader (PDF) format.

Fiscal Fitness

A two-day software driven class (the contractor keeps the CD-ROM!) using the problem-based learning approach. It teaches contractors how to read financial statements and how to use them to solve a large menu of problems they face every day, from job pricing, to labor rates, to service management, service agreements, and much more. Includes workbook and CD-ROM. Download the Workshop Preparation Kit.

Service Management

A one-day computer based workshop that lets you explore your service operation from the inside out, helping you set a profitable street rate, correctly price parts, price service agreements, and many, many more. You will need your laptop and Excel 2003 (or later). Download the Workshop Preparation Kit.

Throughput — How to Boost Productivity and Increase Profits

A one-day workshop on how to generate more profits with the resources available. Includes over 80 simple but effective strategies to add dollars to the bottom line. Includes workbook. Download the Workshop Preparation Kit.

Service Agreements

A one-day workshop on the why’s, how’s and wherefore’s of service agreements, using a different approach than the ones that heretofore have not obviously been very effective (as evidenced by the low number of contractors who offer them). Includes workbook and CD-ROM with PDF files and Excel worksheets. Download the Workshop Preparation Kit.

You Priced That Job HOW?

A one-day workshop on the best way to price jobs given the company’s fiscal constraints. Topics covered include the infamous single-divisor method, the COWL method, the DORM method, and seasonal pricing. Includes workbook and CD-ROM with Excel files. Download the Workshop Preparation Kit.

No-frills Business Plans

A one-day workshop that uses a novel approach to business planning that takes the drudge work out of it. This approach focuses on using resources to maximize throughput and profits. Includes workbook and CD-ROM with Word files. Download the Workshop Preparation Kit.

Communication Styles: A Beginner’s Guide to Neuro-Linguistics

A one-day workshop for managers that teaches them how to use the basics of Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) to facilitate communication among managers and co-workers. Includes workbook. Download the Workshop Preparation Kit.

Selling More by “Selling” Less

Let’s face it: there are dozens of courses in this trade for in-home selling. Most of them are very good, but none of them work 100% of the time. No matter what sales model you have learned, though, Selling More By “Selling” Less can make you more effective! Using new insights from the psychology of sales and the role of “high-gain” questions, you will learn how to flex your favorite approach to what works best for the customer. Many graduates of this workshop are excited to see that they have significant (and often large) increases in their numbers and production. Includes workbook. Download the Workshop Preparation Kit.